More officers want to be diplomats.

• Position: Washington PULSE

In what appears to be a sign of growing appreciation for the value of diplomacy and cultural relations, applications to become Army foreign area officers are on the rise. FAOs are skilled at foreign languages, cultures and politics. They are dispatched to countries around the world to advise ambassadors and senior commanders. The Army currently has 1,000 FAOs in its ranks, but expects to add more, says Col. Daniel Fagundes, who oversees the program at Army headquarters. The selection process is stringent. Only 5 to 10 percent of the aspirants (who must be captains or higher) make the cut. In the latest round, an unprecedented 359 candidates...